SOURCE: Zeydel, Edwin H. “Brant's Literary Work Prior to the Narrenschiff” and “Brant, the Writer, Humanist, and Man: A Summary.” In Sebastian Brant, pp. 64-73; 122-33. New York: Twayne, 1967.

In the following essays, Zeydel examines Brant's poetical exercises and broadsides, which the critic argues reveal similar religious and social concerns as those presented in his Latin prose and The Ship of Fools. He also assesses Brant's place in literary history as he presents the principal aspects of Brant's views and works.

I. Literary Apprenticeship

Perhaps soon after he had secured his baccalaureate in 1477 Brant began composing occasional verses, announcements, and letters—all now lost or unidentifiable—to accompany volumes published during the early years of printing in Basel. Such an early date for this activity is likely since Heynlin, who probably recommended him to the printers, spent most of his time in Basel between 1474 and 1478 and soon had...